Bloomfield High's Ahlexa Montalvo will Attend Misericorida University this Fall, with the Goal of Competing for Both the Fledgling Women's Wrestling Program, and the Softball Team

BLOOMFIELD, NJ-- Ahlexa Montalvo was able to weigh her options, and the Bloomfield High senior certainly learned a lot in the process of choosing an institute of higher learning, to attend this fall.

In the end, Montalvo, a standout wrestler for the Bengals, and one of the varsity softball team's best all-around players, will continue her academic and athletic career at Misericordia University, in Dallas, Pa.

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A very talented student, as well as her prowess athletically, Montalvo initially had a lot of of interest in attending the United States Naval Academy. Last summer, she had the chance to be part a summer camp at the Academy, in Annapolis, Md.

She was one of 1,800 chosen to attend, which is even more impressive considering over 16,000 young men and women, from all over the United States, applied for the rigorous camp.

During this school year, Ahlexa went through the process of applying to the Academy for the Fall, 2024 class. She received a Congressional appointment, as well.

"Unfortunately, the pool of candidates is so competitive, but I am extremely proud to have received a congressional nomination from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill," said Montalvo. "I visited a couple of universities, and finally committed to Misericordia University.

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Misericordia is an NCAA Division 3 school. There, Montalvo plans to compete in both wrestling and softball.

"My decision (to attend Misericordia) was based on the academic scholarship that was offered to me, as well as the opportunity to play two sports," said Ahlexa.

"(Misericordia women's wrestling coach) Ken Chertow took me around campus, and introduced me to the university faculty, including the president," said Ahlexa. "I also had a chance to speak with the softball coach, Chris Blum, who is super busy with the softball season, and the team making the playoffs."

Montalvo was a three-time NJSIAA medal winner, and four-time state qualifier in wrestling, while competing at Bloomfield High. She will certainly get the opportunity to learn from one of the best coaches, in Chertow, a three-time All-American at Penn State, who represented the United States at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He is one of four Penn State wrestlers to make the U.S Olympic team.

The women's wrestling program at Misericordia will be brand new, starting in the 2024-2025 season.

"I was also offered a summer job by Coach Chertow, to help with his summer camps," Ahlexa said, proudly. "I am excited to be part of a new women's wrestling team, and ready to make history at MU as part of the program."

Ahlexa plans to major in Exercise Science, with a minor focusing on Sports Management.

In addition to a very busy schedule as a collegiate student-athlete, the Military focus remains strong for Ahlexa.

"I am also looking to join the (United States) Air Force ROTC (program)," she said.

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